Looking for business registration information in Alaska? Either you are looking to verify a company, checking out your competition, or starting your own business, the Alaska Business Entity Search is one of the most powerful publicly available resources that you may access for free.
In this article, I will provide everything you need to know about Alaska’s official entity search portal – how to search for registered entities, the type of data and information you can obtain, and some caveats. All examples and features mention are being pulled from the official database of the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
What Is the Alaska Business Entity Search?
The Alaska Business Entity Search is an online, public site offered by the Alaska Department of Commerce which allows anyone to search for business entities registered in the state of Alaska. The search can be used to locate:
- Corporations
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Nonprofits
- Partnerships
- Foreign entities registered to operate in Alaska
Whether you’re a legal researcher, entrepreneur, investor, or journalist, this database offers critical transparency into a company’s legal status, structure, and filing history.
If you’re exploring broader property ownership or legal status in the state, check out our guide to the Alaska Deed Search for title and ownership records.
Why It Matters
Imagine you’re preparing to sign a contract with a company claiming to be a registered Alaska LLC. A quick search in the entity database can confirm if they are:
- In good standing
- Duly registered in Alaska
- Compliant with biennial reporting
This is especially relevant in industries where regulatory compliance and public accountability are essential.
How to Use the Alaska Business Entity Search
Step 1: Access the Search Page
Access the official Alaska Business Entity Search database at commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/Search/Entities to find detailed company information.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Parameter
You can search by:
- Entity Name: e.g., “Arctic Solar Solutions”
- Entity Number: a unique numeric ID assigned by the state
Partial name searches are allowed, making it easier to find variations or unknown business names.
Step 3: Interpret the Results
Results include the following fields:
- Entity Type: e.g., Business Corporation, LLC
- Entity Number
- Entity Name
- Name Type: Legal Name, Previous Legal Name
- Status: e.g., Good Standing, Involuntarily Dissolved, Expired Name, Withdrawn
Clicking on the Entity Number opens the detailed profile of the business.
What You’ll Find in a Business Profile
The business profile includes extensive details:
1. Core Information
- AK Formed Date: Date of incorporation or registration in Alaska
- Duration/Expiration: Length of registration or expiration date
- Home State: If the business is foreign, this indicates its state of origin
- Next Biennial Report Due: Important for compliance checks
2. Contact Information
- Entity Mailing Address
- Entity Physical Address
3. Registered Agent
- Agent Name
- Registered Mailing Address
- Registered Physical Address
Registered agents are legally designated individuals or services that accept service of process on behalf of the business.
4. Officials
- Name and Titles of company officials
- Ownership details (for AK entities)
5. Filing History
You’ll find a full list of filed documents:
- Date Filed
- Type: e.g., Articles of Incorporation, Biennial Reports
- Filing: Click to View
- Certificates (if available)
These PDFs are downloadable and often contain signatures, amendments, or corrections.
Advanced Features
Show Former Data
Checking the box labeled “Show Former (None on file)” allows you to view historical name changes or expired filings—a helpful tool for tracking company transformations or predecessor organizations.
Using Filed Documents in Due Diligence
The Filed Documents section is especially useful for:
- Legal audits
- Investigative journalism
- Financial research
You can access original filings like:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Certificates of Good Standing
- Resolutions
These are useful for confirming a business’s legal formation and key amendments.
Use Case Examples
Example 1: Contractor Vetting
A homeowner in Anchorage wants to hire a contractor. They search the business name and discover it was Involuntarily Dissolved in 2022. That’s a red flag.
Example 2: Competitive Research
A small business owner uses the database to monitor local competitors’ registration status and upcoming biennial report deadlines. This provides insights into potential operational issues or expansion plans.
Example 3: Regulatory Compliance
A law firm cross-checks a client’s standing in Alaska before submitting a business license renewal. They find the registered agent info has changed, prompting an update.
For additional tools related to cost and healthcare business transparency, our guide to the HPUD Snapshot Tool on Alaska Health Care Costs is a useful companion resource.
FAQ: Alaska Business Entity Search
Is the database free to use?
Yes. The Alaska Business Entity Search is fully accessible to the public without login or fees.
How often is the database updated?
Updates occur regularly, especially after document filings or changes in entity status. However, filings may take several business days to appear.
What if I can’t find a business?
Try using partial names or search by entity number. Some inactive or dissolved entities may still appear under “Show Former.”
What is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is a required point of contact for legal documents and state correspondence.
Can I download documents?
Yes. Filed documents are available as PDFs and can be downloaded or viewed directly online.
Expert Tips
- Use entity numbers for precise searches.
- Track biennial report due dates for potential compliance lapses.
- Always check the business status before any commercial engagement.
- Download filed documents for your records when researching business partners.
Final Thoughts
The Alaska Business Entity Search is more than a tool—it’s an essential part of business due diligence and public accountability in the state. With just a few clicks, you can access a wealth of verified, state-maintained data on virtually every active or inactive business registered in Alaska. Whether you’re a startup founder, attorney, or investigative researcher, using this resource can help you make smarter, safer decisions.
Sources
- Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
- Alaska Statutes Title 10 – Corporations and Associations
- Alaska Business Licensing FAQ
- National Association of Secretaries of State – Business Services
Additional State-Level Business Entity Databases
In addition to Alaska’s business entity search, there are numerous other state-level business registry databases across the United States. These official portals provide valuable access to corporate records and are essential tools for anyone conducting multi-state research or verifying companies outside Alaska. Below is a growing list of key state-specific business entity search tools to help you navigate official business information nationwide.
